Chapter 4: Problem 14

What is the likely geological origin of the Nazko Cone?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The likely geological origin of the Nazko Cone is volcanic activity related to a mantle plume or hotspot. The Nazko Cone is a basaltic cinder cone located within the Anahim Volcanic Belt in the North American Plate, far from any tectonic plate boundaries, suggesting that its formation is not directly linked to plate tectonic processes. Instead, the North American Plate moving over a stationary hotspot has created a chain of volcanic features, with the Nazko Cone being one of the younger features in this chain.

Step by step solution

Introduction to the Nazko Cone

The Nazko Cone is a small volcanic cone located approximately 75 km west of Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada. It is part of the Anahim Volcanic Belt, which extends for about 300 km across central British Columbia.

Geological Features of the Nazko Cone

The Nazko Cone is a basaltic cinder cone, which means it formed from eruptions of basaltic lava that produced a cone-shaped pile of volcanic fragments called tephra. The cone has a diameter of about 1 km, and it rises about 300 meters above the surrounding landscape. It last erupted approximately 7,200 years ago.

Tectonic Setting of the Nazko Cone

The Anahim Volcanic Belt, including the Nazko Cone, is located within the North American Plate, far from any tectonic plate boundaries. This suggests that the volcanic activity in this area is not directly related to plate tectonic processes such as subduction or continental rifting. Instead, the volcanic activity in the Anahim Volcanic Belt is thought to be related to a mantle plume or "hotspot."

The Hotspot Theory

A hotspot is a region of intense heat within the Earth's mantle, which causes melting of the overlying lithosphere and the formation of volcanic features. The hotspot theory suggests that the Anahim Volcanic Belt, including the Nazko Cone, formed as a result of the North American Plate moving over a stationary hotspot. The movement of the plate across the hotspot would create a chain of volcanic features, with the oldest features located at the eastern end of the Anahim Volcanic Belt and progressively younger features toward the west, including the Nazko Cone.

Conclusion

Based on its location within the Anahim Volcanic Belt, its geological features, and the tectonic setting, the likely geological origin of the Nazko Cone is the result of volcanic activity related to a mantle plume or hotspot.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

What is the likely geological origin of the Nazko Cone?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction to the Nazko Cone

Geological Features of the Nazko Cone

Tectonic Setting of the Nazko Cone

The Hotspot Theory

Conclusion

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Water Cycle

Changing Economic World

Diverse Places

Superpowers of the World

Health And Human Rights

Geographical Skills

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.